Michael Abelow

Bankruptcy/restructuring

Commercial litigation

Mike focuses his practice on the intersection of business litigation and business bankruptcy. He is able to not only obtain a judgment, but also take steps to ensure that the judgment is “worth the paper it is written on,” by preventing efforts to dissipate assets. On the other side of the equation, he advises companies and individuals who are defending litigation who are simultaneously exploring their bankruptcy options. This confluence of business disputes and ability-to-pay issues includes advice and litigation concerning fraudulent transfers, preference claims, alter ego claims, veil piercing, and lender liability.

In bankruptcy court, Mike represents lenders and debtors in Chapter 11 business cases. He is a Chapter 11, SubChapter V Trustee, appointed by the United States Trustee’s office. He was recently appointed as a Chapter 7 Trustee, where he will bring his litigation skills to bear for the benefit of creditors.

In federal district court and in state trial courts, Mike litigates all types of business disputes, with a particular focus on breach of contract, business torts, lender liability, receivership, and real estate disputes.

After a judicial clerkship on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York, Mike began his career as a business litigator in Washington, D.C., before moving to Nashville in 2007. Mike is the former President of the Nashville Bar Association, former Board Chair of the Tennessee Justice Center, and is currently Vice President of the Nashville Urban Debate League, a non-profit that brings the proven academic benefits of debate to Metropolitan Nashville public high school students.

Mike has been recognized by the Nashville Business Journal as a Best of the Bar honoree in 2016, 2018, and 2021 – 2024. He has been recognized by the Tennessee Bar Association and the Tennessee Justice Center as their pro bono attorney of the year.

Mike and his wife Cynthia live in Nashville and have four children. When not serving his clients, Mike enjoys pickleball and raising chickens and bees.

Board of Directors, Mid-South Commercial Law Institute

Board of Directors, Turnaround Management Association, Middle Tennessee Chapter

Past President, Nashville Bar Association (2021)

Subchapter 5 Trustee, United States Trustee’s Office

Chapter 7 Trustee, United States Trustee’s Office

Member, Management Committee, Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison

Member, Nashville Bar Association

Member, Tennessee Bar Association

Trustee, Nashville Bar Foundation

Mike Abelow, Letters of Intent in Tennessee Real Estate Transactions: “Agreements to Agree” or Binding, Enforceable Contracts?, Sherrard Roe Blog (August 1, 2022)

Mike Abelow, Businesses Are Not “Individuals” and Cannot Bring TCPA Claims for Purchase of Goods, Tennessee Supreme Court Says, Sherrard Roe Blog (September 17, 2021)

Mike Abelow, The Contract Controls: TN Supreme Court Rules That Economic Loss Doctrine Bars Fraudulent Inducement Claim, Sherrard Roe Blog (August 22, 2021)

Mike Abelow, COVID-19 and Bankruptcy: Changes from the CARES Act, Sherrard Roe Blog (March 30, 2020)

Mike Ablelow, Title Insurance and Bankruptcy, Sherrard Roe Blog (May 22, 2018)

Mike Abelow, Fee Shifting in Fraudulent Conveyance Cases? Yes, Sometimes., Sherrard Roe Blog (January 6, 2016)

Mike Abelow, A Little-known, but Big, Change in the Rules on Assets Held by Spouses, Sherrard Roe Blog (October 16, 2015)

Mike Abelow, Discharge of Attorneys Fees, Sherrard Roe Blog (April 30, 2015)

Mike Abelow, Garnishing an Independent Contractor, Sherrard Roe Blog (February 5, 2015)

Mike Abelow, Veil Piercing for LLCs, Sherrard Roe Blog (December 15, 2014)

Mike Abelow, Reaching and Protecting Assets Held By a Tennessee LLC – Part 2, Sherrard Roe Blog (October 10, 2014)

Mike Abelow, Reaching and Protecting Assets Held By a Tennessee LLC – Part 1, Sherrard Roe Blog (August 21, 2014)

Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Nashville Urban Debate League

Past Board Chair, Tennessee Justice Center

In re 530 Donelson, LLC, 660 B.R. 887 (Bankr. M.D. TN 2025). Represented managing members of LLC in Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Minority member had obtained state court appointment of a receiver, and challenged ability of managing members to file bankruptcy. The Court ruled that the managing members had the authority to file bankruptcy despite the state court receivership order.

Tennessee Avenue Partnership v. Capitol Towers, Ltd., (Davidson County Chancery 2025). Obtained summary judgment for affiliates of developer of condominiums concerning the obligation to sell condominiums under the Restatement of Property.

Ray Berk v. David Randolph Smith (Davidson County Chancery 2025); won summary judgment ruling on partition claim

In re Pinnacle Constructors, Inc., 647 B.R. 352 (Bankr. M.D. Tenn. 2022). Represented contractor in litigation against insurance company where company had denied coverage under surety bonds for debtor’s construction project. Obtained summary judgment on issue of whether the bonds provided coverage.

In re Connor, 636 B.R. 507 (Bankr. M.D. Tenn. 2022). Represented purchaser of debtor’s real property in litigation concerning alleged violations of the automatic stay. Settled lawsuit after filing motion for summary judgment.

Washington & Lee University School of Law, J.D., summa cum laude

James Madison University, B.A.

Benchmark Litigation “Future Star,” Bankruptcy, Commercial (2014 – 2026)

Best Lawyers in America®, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2018 – 2026); Commercial Litigation (2016 – 2026); Litigation – Bankruptcy (2017 – 2026)

Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year,” Nashville, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2023)

Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year,” Nashville, Litigation – Bankruptcy (2021)

Chambers USA, Bankruptcy/Restructuring (2026)

Mid-South Super Lawyers, Business Litigation (2015 – 2025)

Mid-South Super Lawyers “Rising Star,” Business Litigation (2013 – 2014)

Mid-South Super Lawyers “Top 50: Nashville Super Lawyers” (2018, 2021 – 2022, 2024)

Mid-South Super Lawyers “Top 100: Tennessee Super Lawyers” (2018, 2020 – 2025)

Nashville Business Journal “Best of The Bar” (2016, 2018, 2021 – 2024)

Tennessee Bar Association Harris Gilbert Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year Award (2010)

Tennessee Justice Center “Pro Bono Attorney of the Year” (2009)

Tennessee Supreme Court Attorneys for Justice Pro Bono Honor Roll (2020 – 2022)